It was an action-packed battle, but at the end of more than an hour of tussle, the Arellano University Chiefs emerged victorious.
The Legarda-based squad shrugged off the Mapua University Cardinals in three sets, 25-23, 27-25, 25-18, Thursday late afternoon at the Fil-Oil Flying V Centre.
Christian Dela Paz showed his wares after scoring a game-high 18 points off 16 attacks. Kevin Liberato likewise added 14 markers, half of which are blocks.
The Chiefs almost squandered that second set as Mapua skipper Anjo Pertierra rallied his flock to a 25-24 set point advantage. Nonetheless, Arellano returned to their net defense to ultimately bag the 2-0 lead.
Despite the win, head coach Sherwin Meneses hopes that his team play with more consistency. “Dapat hanggang 25, hindi magbabago yung galaw namin.”
The reason for such request is, “Yung goal talaga is championship.”
Pertierra, who was celebrating his birthday, flew highest for the Cards at 10 points.
The Chiefs (1-0) will take on fellow opening day winners EAC (1-0) on Sunday, January 7. Meanwhile, the Cardinals (0-1) will try to bounce back against Colegio de San Juan de Learns the next day.
The Scores:
AU 3 – Dela Paz 18, Liberato K 14, Cabillan 9, Segovia 7, Liberato J 6, Lapuz 1, Meneses 0, Soriano 0, Arellano T 0, Arellano K 0, Esguerra L, Blanco L.
MU 0 – Pertierra 10, Pagulong 9, Damian 7, Navera 5, Egan 3, Hizon 2, Evangelista 1, Andaya 1, Bondoc L.
